Indonesia Gears Up For India Promotions

It has also introduced "hot deals" and incentive programs to achieve its target of 700,000 Indian arrivals in 2018.

India is the fifth largest market for Indonesia's tourism economy after China, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia and the skyrocketing numbers of Indian travellers is proof. To capitalise on this high potential and a priority market, the Ministry of Tourism of Republic of Indonesia, is meeting up with its industry partners in eight Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kochi this August.

"From January to August, Indonesia recorded 365,000 Indian visitors, which is an increase of 27 per cent over the same period in 2017. We have set a target to achieve 700,000 Indian tourists by the end of 2018, which is a challenge as it is a 40 per cent increase from 2017," said Nia Niscaya, the deputy minister for tourism marketing from the Indonesian tourism ministry. To support this target, the ministry, in collaboration with Visit Indonesia Tourist Office (VITO) in India and the Badung Tourism Board, is offering incentives to wholesalers and hot deals to the Indian travellers to lesser visited destinations in the country. These incentives include subsidised prices for accessibility by ferry, amenities like hotels and attractions in Indonesia.

Niscaya explained that Bali contributes almost 40 per cent of the total inflow of tourists in the country. She said, "It is important that the lesser talked about places like Lake Toba, Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Lesung, Seribu Islands, the Borobudur, Bromo-Tengger-Semeru cluster, Mandalika and so on, should also be promoted to attract tourists."

Indonesia has been accustomed to various natural disasters. Niscaya pointed out, that though Indonesia lost some tourists from its top markets, Indian travellers have shown resilience in visiting the country. "In fact, the eruption of Mount Agung has become more of an tourist attraction. It is important to note that Mount Agung is located 75km away from the major tourist attractions. It is advised that tourists should keep away from the critical area of 4km around the mountain," she added.

The Indonesian Ambassador to India, Sidharto R Suryodipuro, informed that Garuda Indonesia currently operates flights three times a week between Mumbai and Denpasar, which will be increased to four times a week soon. "Of the 56 flights every week from Indonesia, 18 flights per week are operated by Indian carriers. There is lot of scope for direct flights between the two destinations and the two countries will begin negotiations this year to increase air connectivity. A direct flight between Delhi and Jakarta is under works currently."

Sanjay Sondhi, Country Manager-India, VITO, said "Through these eight-city roadshows, we plan to foster better partnerships with the Indian industry and cover the Tier-II and Tier-III cities as well as they are an important source market. We want to drive traffic not only to Bali but also to other destinations. We are hoping to make Singapore as a hub for Indian travellers and thus are offering incentives for Batang Bintang from Singapore."

Sondhi further said that Indonesia will use digital and social media channels for marketing the destination in India. "We feel that through these channels the reach is faster and to the right audience," added Sondhi.

Indonesia Gears Up for India Promotions - India is the fifth largest market for Indonesia's tourism economy after China, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia and the skyrocketing numbers of Indian travellers is proof For more information visit: www.dailypioneer.com.